Tissue Please
Parent models and encourages using a tissue when sneezing or coughing, teaching healthy habits and autonomy. The agent coaches the parent to observe imitation, self-care attempts, and social awareness as the child learns this important hygiene routine.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Parent and child sitting together comfortably. Box of tissues within reach. Best done when child is alert and in a cooperative mood.
How it works
- 1~30s
Start by showing your child what we're going to do. Take a tissue from the box and dramatically pretend to sneeze into it — 'Achoo! Tissue please!' Make it fun and exaggerated. Then offer your child a tissue and say, 'Your turn! Can you sneeze into the tissue?' Watch what your child does — does they take the tissue? Does they try to copy your pretend sneeze?
Watch for: Child attempts to imitate parent's tissue use during pretend sneezing.
- 2~35s
Now let's practice the request. Hold out a tissue and say, 'your child, tissue please!' Use a clear, polite tone. Wait to see if they takes it. Then try, 'Now sneeze into the tissue!' Does your child follow either of these simple requests? You might need to point or gesture toward their face. Watch for any attempt to comply.
Watch for: Child follows simple one-step request related to tissue use.
- 3~40s
Let's make it social. Pretend a stuffed animal or doll is sneezing. Say, 'Oh no! Teddy sneezed! Can you give Teddy a tissue?' Hand your child a tissue and see if they offers it to the toy or tries to wipe its face. This tests if your child understands the habit applies to others too. Does they show awareness that others need tissues?
Watch for: Child shows awareness that others need tissues by offering to toy or attempting to help.